Can I ask how you have allowed for the natural growth of the tree? Are there adjustments allowed to be made with the type of system you have built? You obviously are talented and have created something that should remain for as long as possible:)

He did forget about the growth of the tree, because as the tree grows it will rip it apart. I feel the design should of left space around the tree house centre for the expansion of the tree bark etc. So I feel the design will not be functional in a few years!

Many tiny scews a the same hight is worst than drilling a 1-1/4 hole to insert a big bolt to hold the entire structure. The water goes up in a circular way all around the circomference… So one hole one side at one hight 😉 your tree is gonna love you that way and won’t let U down! Mouhaha get it let u down. Ok have a happy life guys from BC!

The Hemloft is beautiful! My 10 year old son and I are amazed.
How about finding an investor and building a whole colony of hemlofts for vacation rentals? Or keep it a secret. I would hate to see it go. Find a way to protect it because the’ powers that be’ may show no mercy.

The best word I can use for this is … inspiring. Thank you for sharing your adventure with us. Your story is well-presented and the photos and slides just beautiful. It gives us a glimpse of what it feels like to be there.
In my POV this dwelling is perfectly integrated with the landscape. On Crown land you can get permission to build a platform for a tent. Can you just claim this as a wooden tent? Another option is sometimes you can get a lease. (Hey, if logging companies can get permission to destroy thousands of hectares of Crown forest, a lease for your tree dwelling should be nothing to the government.)

You have done am amazing job. I built a normal tree house and know you can work out the changes needed without taking down the HemLoft. Giving the tree room to grow will allow it to be their many years without doing damage to the tree. Good luck.

I hope that was sarcasm, unless you live in the woods and leave eating berries and leaving footprints that’s more than a tad hypocritical 🙂 What a brilliant way to fine tune your carpentry skills – jump in the deep end! Love this project.

the nails and screws would be similar to you getting a needle, but after they’re left in they don’t cause damage. the only risk to the tree on any trunk section is creating a separation of the nutrient cycling pathways that run up and down just under the bark all the way around the circumference. there are hundreds to thousands of these pathways, a few screws aren’t going to cause any noticeable damage to the tree, and crown and root growth will not be affected. you should probably calm down and learn about the trees you hug before you bite someone’s head off. especially someone with a genius solution for sustainable housing.

Get a Life! You are a total shit-for-brains; how you like them apples? No harm will befall the tree, let me assure you. How do you think maple syrup is harvested? By tapping into the tree, of course, and it’s been done for centuries and not a single tree was harmed in the process unlike your house that resulted in the death of many trees. I know where a tree is which grew around an iron farm implement which was leaned up against it many years ago and it’s still going strong. Notice that the house was built high enough to allow you to hug its tree quite comfortably, so there!

Treehugger, before you fire off invective like that, perhaps you should educate yourself in arboreal sciences?
Trees aren’t hurt by having nails or bolts any more than a human is hurt by having an injection or perhaps an artificial joint or pacemaker. The tree adapts to the ‘injury’ and heals up just the same as a human would.
In fact, REAL “treehuggers” trying to discourage logging in certain areas, have been known to drive spikes and nails into trees so that chain saws can’t be used, all in the name of “protecting” them.
As long as Allen’s structure doesn’t ring the tree completely cutting off the cambium layer under the bark, and it appears that it doesn’t, then there’s no harm to the tree at all.

treehugger? I hope you dont use paper to wipe you @zz or recieve a paycheque or educate yourself with books because trees had to come down for one to be able to do that lets fight for a cause that makes sence trees are being replanted daily and more are being planted that is coming down

I’ve had chains wrapped around tree’s nails and whatever in tree’s on a family property we’ve owned on Keats island since the sixties. The tree’ll be fine. You’ll have to modify for growth as you go. I’m in the district, I’ll vote with your (our) tree in mind.

you’re kidding right ? with all the damage done to trees via pollution, herbicides,logging, wrapping fencing wire or clothes lines around trees, forest distruction, you want to tackle a work of art ?
I’ve been responsible in part, or wholly, for the planting of approx 15,000 trees and shrubs – what have you done besides bitching about a thing of beauty ?

How sad to be so filled with anger.
If you could spend a week in such a beautiful work of art
perhaps your heart would be healed and enlarged.
Thousands of hectares of trees are destroyed every day
for your toilet paper and Starbucks coffee cups.
Fight that, if you need an outlet for your hostility.
This hemlock is located in a climax forest.
It is surrounded by similar neighbouring trees.
In other words, it won’t be growing much more in girth
and this enlightening structure is causing no harm.
Thanks to the builder for kick-starting so many creative ideas!

Well said, Shas Cho. 🙂 We are all hypocrites in some way or another… we wear leather shoes – but detest the way cows are treated… we abhor over-fishing, but yet we enjoy fresh fish on the grill.. etc etc. I think the tree house is enlightening.. not just in that it’s a solution to one man’s housing dilemma (and beautiful the way it compliments the trees).. but that it proves you can live minimally. We are conditioned to believe we need more stuff – and big places to put all that stuff in. Joel’s home is a great reminder to stop buying into that philosophy. 🙂

You know, there is nothing wrong with the structural integrity that was applied to this beautiful and talented design. It seems to me that you are the douchbag in this discussion. Trees are not as fragile as you seem to believe. You can drill holes, place a screw/nut, nails and the tree is going to come out just fine…..if you are covered with body piercings and tattoos all over your body, does it fail you? No and ys, you look ridiculous in the outcome, and as for ink jabbed into our skin and into your body’s system, that is harmful. My trees are over 35yrs old, they have a disease that is eating them from the inside out, cannot control that, but they are hanging onto life with each year blooming and growing. Seems to me you are just jealous of the life, and have your facts wrong, you DOUCH PERSON YOU!!

Considering the amount of radiation now hitting No, America from the Fukushima debacle; all that tree hugging, eco-correctness activity and rhetoric that you’ve probably given thousands of hours of your life to is now nothing more than just another g**damned waste of time…now, wasn’t it?
[…and it’s just going to continue to grow worse people. The Pacific Ocean is currently as good as dead….that will be lost as a food source for the next 5 to 10 thousand years and God only knows how much of No. America will soon become unlivable. There have been two massive clouds of radiation that have swept over the No. American coastline since the disaster began and it ain’t over… in fact it may end very badly as the truth is …they don’t have a clue where the core went and what became of most of those fuel rods. They will continue to bore down into the earth until they his a fissure of sea water…and …kablooey.
Forget the trees… save your own @ss.

Very nice but what gives you the right to build something like that on Crown Land…don’t know about out there, but here in Ontario you’d be charged and it would be torn down…such a shame as it is stunning!!!!!!!!!

I just looked up “Crown Land”. 90% of your whole country is Crown land! It looks like the land either still belongs to the queen or it belongs to all Canadians (like our national parks). If it belongs to the queen, who cares if he built this beautiful structure there. And if it belongs to everyone, you should be happy. I live near a national park and if I came across this I would be amazed, not upset.

I don’t even live close to Canada, and I agree with you 100%. Very awesome structure. I believe that if he could build others like it around in the same area that it would be great for a small campground.

There’s no question that what you’ve built is absolutely breathtaking, but if you knowingly built on private lands that do not belong to you- how can we demand it remain there? If I build the most magnificent retreat in Central Park, NY it won’t matter because those lands don’t belong to me.

It’s not on private land, it’s on “Crown Land”. And unless I am reading this stuff wrong, it’s nothing like Central Park, or even US National Parks. Almost 90% of Canada is “Crown Land” compared to <10% of US (NPS and NFS).

And he didn't build it in the Canadian equivalent of central park. He built it somewhere so remote almost no one ever found it. If would be like if I was hiking in the Smoky Mountains and came across this.

Of course you wouldn't want lots of people doing this, but is that really a concern? How many people have, or will do something like this? One that I am aware of. And I applaud him for it.

It is beautiful, but should not have been built on crown land. He may be the first, but if they allow this, what stops ohter people from setting up “camp” wherever they want. Next time, build on private land, with permission of course.

why doesn’t he buy the area surrounding it and pay tax on it? I agree that it’s beautiful and an engaging topic for engineers but seriously, why shouldn’t we all just go into the woods and build something instead of buying houses?

You are a talented man! If the structure could be supported without being attached to the tree then it would stay in place forever. You could try to donate or somehow suggest that it be used by serious students of nature for studying birds, bears and other wildlife. You could get lucky and then not have to tear it down. Maybe it will feature on National Geographic? Would that not be amazing? :-)) If this is what you were able to do by following your dream then my suggestion should not seem too far fetched 🙂 I just hope that your creation will remain the only one in the forest. That is kind of why it is special.

Looks like you found your bliss. You are obviously talented and insightful. Leave the tree-house in the woods alone and start building new dream designs for others as an entrepreneurial adventure for yourself. It is a gift to be able to make a living sharing your talents and visions. Don’t be foolish or frivolous by ignoring what you have to share. The tree house in the woods was the first step of your journey. Live in the moment. Design and Build!

I’m a civil engineer who’s first job in the Australian construction industry was a carpenter & joiner. To me carpentry is a special trade; working with a natural and sometimes unpredictable material is very unique and very rewarding. And may I add, to coin an old phrase, ‘you’ve nailed it’ 😉 I wish you all the best… Loving your work has to beat retirement!

I’m awestruck. That is fantastic! The detail you have gone to is unbelievable and the tranquility it would give is wonderful. I’m jealous also. If we did something like that in Northern Ireland, kids would have it burnt down in a heartbeat! You are lucky you live in such a wonderful country. Enjoy!! (PS – why don’t you sell plans for this? Be a nice money earner! Plenty of trees in the world!)

Great idea, Barry! Yes, I second Barry’s vote to make plans for this available. I think, besides being a great money-maker for you, Joel, it would be perfect for a weekend (or longer) house for ambitious carpenters such as yourself, or other adventurers. Bravo!

Barry, sorry that where you live, you say kids would burn something like this wonderful structure. I too, live in N Ireland where we have wonderful, natural forests just as spectacular. The point is Barry, it is built remotely where only ramblers, bikers, etc would only accidentally come upon it, not in the middle of urban life where no matter what country you lived, it would get ruined! Please try not to give a negative impression of our wonderful country as our kids are no different, although I suspect you must live in a big city housing estate, to assume this about the kids.

I don’t normally leave “comments” anywhere on-line. I look/read, think my own thoughts and leave but this time I felt compelled to comment because I think you are AMAZING to have conceived and constructed such a brilliant tree house! Simply, amazing …

You’re the amazing one! I think I speak for most of the people commenting here. I just wished more people would do things like this and I believe that would make the world a better place. I am working on something very special right now and hope to announce it soon.

Your treehouse is amazing and so beautiful!!!!!! I am concerned about the effect on the tree over the years as it grows, the treehouse will hurt the tree. Yes, I am a tree hugger and we all need to remember that trees and plants are alive, grow and do feel, just not the way we understand. As much as I love what you have done, it is a lot of work for a temporary location. At sometime it needs to come down. I know most people are not as motivated as you are but you will have set a precedent for others to do the same if you win. I don’t think that is a good idea as if others follow your suit our beautiful forest will likely be damaged by the less conscientious. All that traffic on a regular basis will change the forest. Still, your work and resourcefulness are remarkable. Good luck!

Reading the comments on your youtube channel is seriously disgusting. It’s all from a bunch of eco-nazi sheep. Canada is a common wealth nation; this nation belongs to the people under common law. Countries are a fancy name for corporations, nations aren’t. Precious metals don’t back your currency, your birth certificate does. Do you ever wonder why you pay taxes? They could just print more money. INFLATION is a hidden tax. Income taxes are a tribute to the “queen” of the british empire, which in reality is a corporation. You serfs pay for both. You must do what it takes to keep what is yours. This land does NOT belong to the “queen”.

Nice design. In Africa we have since left living in trees to birds and primates. What the heck is this excitement about? There is nothing envirofriendly here as most of the material used is from other trees. Could it simply be adults re-living their childhood? BUT NICE BIT OF SKILL!

What you should do is sell the plans and use the money to try to buy the land. It really is a gorgeous and well thought out tree house, and lots of folks are interested in small eco hangouts these days. Squatting on public land is probably not going to work out well for you, and sadly if you have tons of people going in and out of the same site looking for your treehouse the authorities are going to find it!

Beautiful. It is a human right to build a shelter big enough to live in. The State must make space available for the creativite few to try other living options, then leave them alone If they act unilaterally.

Craftsmanship and visionary thinking – this is beautiful. Joel, you obviously have a gift for design and out-of-the-box thinking – a job at Google beckons I reckon!!! I’m sure that some mindless and un-imaginative suit will eventually make you take it down but until then ENJOY

Have a look at http://www.greenschoolbali.org if the “Hemloft” is an idea for the future The Green School has ALL the answers. Compost toilets, Solar ATM, you name it, it has everything, very inspiring! Can imagine the “Hemloft” in lots of places in the world.

I love this lil egg. It is incredible workmanship. Would be nice to see a larger scale version made and a place for children, larger or smaller to use … it is a shame to see that it is in risk of being tore down. However, as a carpenter, you have really opened your wings up and the creativity is incredible as well!

If you made each vertical section seperate like the petals of a flower. Then mounted on the bottom only via parallel rails like train tracks, they could be pushed out individually as the tree grows. The base could be floating as from the stem of the flower. You could even hinge them at the base to make it open up like a flower blooms.

Just beautiful. Why not share your skills and make a career of it? You’ve got the creativity – wonderful work. I can imagine thousands of people wanting something like that in their back garden! I’d love one!

Beautiful and magical! Your design work and craftsmanship is a credit to the profession. Thank you for sharing the photos. Maybe consider sharing your design so other people can be inspired to make the most of others cast offs. All the best!

I have looked into building structures on Crown Land legally. The best way is to apply to lease the land surrounding your structure. This process takes time and it is unlikely that you would be granted a lease unless you were able to prove that you actually needed the land. Here is a link: http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/land_tenures/crown_land_application_information/program_areas.html. Below are a few excerpts from the Forest and Range Practices Act pertaining what you have done.

Unauthorized construction and occupation

54

(1) A person must obtain the consent of the minister before constructing or occupying a building or other structure on Crown land in a Provincial forest unless the construction or occupation is authorized under another enactment.

(2) If the minister determines under section 71 that a person has contravened subsection (1), the minister may order the person to do one or more of the following:

(a) remove the building or other structure;
(b) destroy the building or other structure;
(c) restore the land under the building or other structure.

Tree spiking prohibited

55

On private land that is subject to an agreement under the Forest Act or on Crown land, a person must not

(a) drive or place any nail, spike or other potentially hazardous object into any timber that the person does not own or is not authorized to alter,

(b) possess any nail, spike or other potentially hazardous object with the intention of driving or placing it into any timber that the person does not own or is not authorized to alter, or

(c) solicit funds or materials from another person with the stated intention that the funds or material will be used to enable any person to drive or place any nail, spike or other potentially hazardous object into any timber that the person does not own or is not authorized to alter.

Unauthorized trail or recreation facility construction

57

(1) Unless authorized in writing by the minister or under another enactment, a person must not

(a) construct,
(b) rehabilitate, or
(c) maintain
a trail or other recreation facility on Crown land.

(2) The minister may impose pre-conditions or conditions of an authorization that the minister considers necessary or desirable, to be met by the person, including, but not limited to, requiring that the person provide security.

(2.1) If the minister requires security under subsection (2), the minister may specify

(a) when the security must be paid,
(b) the amount of security that is required,
(c) the form of the security, and
(d) the circumstances under which the security may be realized.

(3) A person who obtains an authorization under subsection (1) must comply with any conditions of the authorization.

(4) If the minister determines under section 71 that a person has contravened subsection (1), the minister may order the person to

(a) remove or destroy or remove and destroy the trail or facility, and
(b) restore the land underlying the trail or facility.

(5) The minister may revoke or vary an authorization granted under this section.

Fines

87

(1) A person who contravenes section 46 (1), 52 (1) or (3) or 112 (3) commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $1 000 000, or to imprisonment for not more than 3 years, or to both.

(2) A person who contravenes section 21 (1), 22 (2), 29 (1) or (3) or 55 (a) commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $500 000, or to imprisonment for not more than 2 years, or to both.

(4) A person who contravenes section 23 (1), 53 (1) or (2), 55 (b) or (c), 57 (1) or (3), 58 (4) or 70 commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $5 000 or to imprisonment for not more than 6 months, or to both.

(5) The maximum fine to which a person is liable on a second or subsequent conviction for the same offence under subsections (1) to (4) is double the amount set out in the applicable subsection.

(6) The Lieutenant Governor in Council may provide by regulation that

(a) a contravention of a regulation or standard is an offence, and
(b) a person convicted of an offence for a contravention of a regulation or standard is liable to a fine not exceeding a maximum amount, or to imprisonment not exceeding a maximum length, or to both.

(7) If the maximum fine or imprisonment provided by a regulation under subsection (6) (b) is less than that provided by a provision of this Act, the regulation prevails.

As a woodworker, I think you have done an amazing job of constructing your ‘house’. I certainly hope that after all that hard work you don’t have to deconstruct it to move it elsewhere. It would be a shame if you had to move or move it.

This tree house is beautiful, especially during the night. The material is georgous. You should get into the treehouse building business. Hell I would use it as a getaway, out and away from everything and everyone (peaceful).

this even reached holland! this is seriously insane breath taking. this can be so inspirasional to all of the people who would see this! who doesn’t wants to see the sun goes down like that, and be one with human nature like that? this guy seriously deserves all the respect in the world!! and seriously, if anyone would cut this project down, that person is a serious retard!! Big Respect!!

WOW!!! How proud you must feel!! It’s good to know there are people with free spirits and idea’s. I hope sincerely, you wont have to tear it down. They should yhink about the possibilitie’s it would have, to make a small community,of yout precious woodhouse, By the way, Hoe do you sleep overthere??
greetings from the Netherlands

Absolutely beautiful…I envy you the peace & serenity of the quiet woods & think your home is amazing. I’d love living like that though it might be hard with the # of dogs we own! I think anyone who would build something so beautiful in such a wonderful location would be extremely aware & not make much of an impact on the natural beauty, I hope the “legal” entities leave you alone.

This is a beautiful example of innovative design and thought. Not sure if I could live full time in something that small, but it’s bigger than a lot of boats I know of that are occupied year round, so maybe.
I wonder about how you keep it dry in the rain, since it looks like there’s a gap between the structure and the treetrunk (as there has to be to allow growth) that would let rain and bugs in, but the design is wonderful and the view must be truly breathtaking, both inside and out.
Didn’t the Ewoks live in something like this in ‘Star Wars’?

Joel, like you, my Dad was given the awesome gift of having the mind to see something and be able to build it; he was a carpenter & a mason. Your “slat” & window design is amazing. I’m from the lower 48 and have travelled up past the border into Ont.,Que.,N.B,& N.S. and found each province to be beautiful, each in their own right. I have also been to New Zealand,Australia & Europe, and I can envision your bi-level “Egg-abode” in all of its infinite tree-top glory everywhere. Prior comments prove people will buy your dreams. First, I think some would agree, that if I were you, I would start numbering each piece to dismtle & start carrying out to re-assemble somewhere for display/production. Good luck

My Grandfather was the same way. He was a cabinet maker in his younger years, but form age 30 to 77 he was a logger. He had a natural talent with carpentry, landscaping & gardening. In 1960, he & my grandmother purchased a small, 100 year old, 2 bedroom/1bath farm house. By 2000, almost entirely with his own hands he’d turned it into an 8 bedroom, 3½ bathroom home of nearly 3,500sq ft. The landscaping had a covered bridge w/grape vines, a 25ft high, man made “mountain” made of boulders (some were 5 feet across & weighed tons) & planted pine on it & it had a waterfall & a gazebo on top. There was an in-ground swimming pool with multi-level wooden deck, surrounded by a 12ft high grated wooden fence covered in rose bushes & lilacks & pool house & there were numerous dwarf fruit trees (apple, pear, peach, plum & cherry) & berry bushes.

That house is absolutely beautiful! It’s a work of art. It’s unobtrusive, inconspicuous & blends in perfectly with the natural forest surroundings.
I don’t know what will happen, but I hope you can keep it. It’s much to beautiful to destroy. If you have any trouble & you’re facing eviction, as a last resort just try this. I don’t know if it will work, but offer to be an unpaid “forest warden” with access to the tree-house as your H.Q. or whatever. Good luck & best wishes!

Loved the story – the egg is truly beautiful.
I think you should leave it to its fate and build another one somewhere legal and use it for rental or a prototype / showroom for people to order their own custom eggs.

I dont see why anyone would want to tare this down!!
he is not disturbing any one..NOONE! knew about it for so long
hes not harming the environment hes not disturbing the animals!
LET THE LOFT STAY! ..i live in whistler i am totally looking up everytime i go for hikes now
hahah u inspired many people out west im sure there will be alot more tree lofts to come
but yours is truly a work of art!

Wow, I so want to be a kid again in this beautiful piece of magic you have given us. This place is all my fantasy dreams come true, and you did it. Thank you for reminding me that all our dreams can still come true.

How wonderful!
My guy and I used to dream about building a tree house and how to go about it! You have accomplished something very cool and demonstrated a hippie pioneering spirit. Love it!
Crown land….well….I have friends who had a home that backed onto crown land and they were able to purchase that land. I think having the tree house as a geo caching location is a great idea…only those who are respectful and interested in this type of life would be concerned.
We have 4 little boys right now 13, 9, 3 and 9 months. We are grounded right now, but love showing our boyz what others are creating and how to respect our earth. One day we will build our nest in the sky too and love learning from you and others!
Peace Joy and Love. All the best to you.

Great tree house! You are on to something that may take care of your financial needs for years to come. Since it’s something you love…you know what they say…do what you love and the money will follow. I’d figure out how to get these plans on paper, patent them and work on more “loftier” orbs…if you’ll pardon the pun. Very creative and very talented!

This is fantastic, probably the coolest house that I have ever seen!!!!!!!!!!!! Don’t give up on your hard work, you should try to buy that land. It is definetly worth it. Wow… definetly only in Canada. 🙂

This is so beautiful !
I live in the Netherlands, a small country with a lot of people.
I love this house you made in the woods.
So peacefull and so beautiful, and full of silence.
I hope you can keep it.
I wish you all the best.
Well done!
Ciao, Tammy.

I just watched CanadaAM now and I really love your story and a tree house. I live in Ottawa and am planning to make a road trip acrosss Canad to Banff with my husband my 9years old sun. We are camper and looking into finding a good campgraound. I wish I could find your tree house to stay!!!Thank you PS< my husband is just like you , love building things like shed , play house , renovating houses .This story will inspire hime too.

I think it’s a really amazing job, however, in light of what even you admit is the very likely temporary nature of the project, I can’t believe you’d cock-block us on DLing the pics…Not that it matters to me, I got em anyway, but still…

I think what you have created and built is AMAZING! I wish you all the luck in dealing with the government. As an absolutely final option, I wonder if the crown would consider leaving the hemloft in place and perhaps converting it to a First-Aid/Emergency station for local hikers and campers to use if needed? Perhaps use it as a template and build other structures near trails. Just a thought. It’s too cool to take down.

I love the concept,your very talented but this structure does not meet some minimum codes and should be brought up to date.It should also be on land that you either own or lease….paying taxes is sadly a ‘Must’. Perhaps building a artificial hemlock and then adjuncting the structure to it may answer the requirements within a stand of real trees….it would create the effect.It must be able to with stand the elements, have some acceptable form of sewage disposal and some form of fresh water supply…all is possible….could be fun…..it is a wee dream that many of us would like to preserve ,ie: a home in the wilderness and self sustainability but alas……….we are the minority….keep the dream alive as long as possible…………………..

I just so happen to come across this story while reading on yahoo news.
i think your home is off the chain. it gives great inspiration to those who have always wanted a treehouse or wanted to construct something for their kids.
it’s a crying shame that they want to take your home from you while you’re not causing any damage or disturbance. good luck to you and great job.

It’s a wonderful piece. Fruit for thought regarding a backyard tree house for the kids. If you really wanted to keep it you should have built it on your own property. If you want it to be yours you have to own the land it’s built on and insure. People have raised the issue of wild fire and liablitlity – that’s the difference between a fort and a home – accountability. You have had it free for 3 years(?) you built it on land that’s not yours so if they are sending you packing that is the game you decided to play. If you retired in your 20’s I’m sure you will be alright.

When you build art on Crown land they call it public art. Bottom line is it’s a wonderful donation but it doesn’t belong to you. If they are going to tke it down disassemble it and rebuild it where you can own it.

This is amazing. It’s too bad that only the rich (in the eyes of the gov.) can ‘legally’ enjoy these views from their homes. If only the ‘rich’ would embrace living with nature instead of in contempt of it (& stop destroying the worlds breathtaking places with mega homes!)

My thought is; sell the plans to those who want to live in harmony with nature, buy the land with the proceeds & give it to the someone like the Nature Conservancy for respectful people to share. I would be interested in buying plans to support directly making this spot a legally protected area, if possible. Good luck!

The earth needs more hemlofts built within our forests,where a person can hike too and be part of nature ,instead of a paved lot with some big unfreindly out of place building that represents a camp ground.I would love to aquire the plans for this as well as many others would,hope to see them for purchase

My brother & i were blessed to grow up with a similar Westcoast rainforest terrain behind our family home, & my father (an engineer by trade) built a very similar “fort” for us as kids.

It wasn’t an egg-shape – but it was awesome, just the same. The framing for the structure (which was something like 8 or 9 feet square) was mostly built on the ground, surrounding a cedar. It was then hoisted up the tree what must have been 25-30 feet & then anchored with supports to the tree. (Some muscle was brought in for this & some kind of pully system) Then the walls & roof were finished up the tree. I can remember banging away with a hammer – one of my glorious tom-boy moments.

Initially the way in was up a ladder on the tree & through a hatch door. Eventually (i think a concern for liability played a factor here) there was a ramp-walk from the upper grade built just like yours & a front door. The best part was our upper deck – the “sundeck”. A flat roof was the perfect place to lay down a blanket & allowed for enjoying the view & the sunlight beaming through the canopy.

The carpentry wasn’t of the same caliber as your loft – but there were lovely touches like painting it green to blend in with the forest & wood paneling in the interior.

Sadly the whole tree fell when a storm hit about 10 years ago… but that fort was up for close to 20+ years.

My folks still live in that home & every now & then when i visit, I’ll wander out back & glance down to the forest slope filled with wonderful memories.

I’ve never seen something so Amazzzing!!!!! It would be great to have more of these homes …. Really back to the simple way of life is quite refreshing !!!!!! Could be used as a rented cabin in the woods .I love your Hemloft…..

What a great get away and vision. I hope the Government leaves it there. There are several people across Canada that have secluded places in the woods for hunting and camping that are left alone for years. Keep canvasing you MP or MLA and push for a torism theme, you never know it might just save it.

Wow. That is truly incredible. You’ve created something which in itself is unique and exquisite, and made it all the more memorable by sharing the adventure. If you’d ever like to build another, look me up…!

Jay shaffer is a guy who builds and sells tiny house plans he seems to be making a living out of maketing this movement, his designs are compact and efficient, your tree house idea is fantastic and creative,I am a skilled carpenter with 20 plus years of designing and building all sorts of wooden creations,very impressed with your design ideas, creativity in design is a real talent I hope this project will bring you future rewards and not a whole lot of grief from a bunch of government beaurocrats, best of luck

I think the nails/screws into a tree can be likened to human piercings. The tree heals around the spike just like we do around an earring or stud. If I was a tree, I would feel honoured and sacred to be given such beautiful jewelery. = ) LOVE IT! Well Done. We have land and big trees if you want a place to build another one. You are welcome to live in it as long as you like!

Wow, what a beautiful creature, realy a piece of art and so pure. I can’t give you any advise, because I don’t know a thing about the Canadian goverment/law (live in the Netherlands). I hope you will be happy there for a long time. I am very curious how this will go on.
Good luck, Elles

With all the talk about the tree’s growth damaging the Hemloft in the future, I wonder if you could have designed an expandable ring that the joist hangers would attach to and then adjust it as needed over the years to come. It looks like a fantastic retreat away from all the stress of the world! Enjoy it as often as you can! If I am ever in the Whistler area hiking around the bush I will be keeping my eyes peeled for that egg. GOOD LUCK!!

Definitely believe that that you said. Your favourite justification seemed to be on the internet the easiest thing to understand of. I say to you, I definitely get irked while other folks consider worries that they plainly do not know about. You managed to hit the nail upon the highest and defined out the whole thing with no need side effect , people can take a signal. Will probably be again to get more. Thank you!

A beautiful and inspiring creation! I see what you’ve done here, and I can’t help but think about the logistics of getting all of your building supplies out there. . .how far of a walk is it from the car? Sorry for the nerd questions! Or did you somehow make lumber from the deadfall? Is the top collar of the ribbing waterproof?
Damn fine treehouse!

I suspect that anyone bright and creative enough to conceive and bring to fruition a project as artistic as this, hardly needs to be told what he “should” do. The treehouse is beautiful. I suspect the learning and work brought you a great deal of pleasure. May whatever you choose to do next bring you more of the same. Peace.

A remarkable, beautiful story; a project that was meant to be built by a man who was meant to build it. The loft & the site should be kept just as it is. I hope whoever stumbles upon its discovery marvels at its creativity, simplicity, and sees it for the work of art that it is. May this HemLoft and the site be forever treated with utmost respect. Well done Joel Allen & Heidi, well done!

What about a small green community with ecological build treehouses and maybe also ecological earthships and a ecological garden where everybody who lives there works all together on building the houses and working in the garden. I would suggest though to not make it too big but with enough people so that you can buy this piece of land and do it legal. Or you keep on squatting the land but make it so beautifull and positive that nobody want to pull it down. And rather choose a few people with who you really want a community like this. If you are interested in such a community of course. I would love to make something like this in the Netherlands!! Or where ever I’d want to live later on. Oioioioioi. It’s soo nice!

Beautiful Tree House….I would like one in my backyard for my only grandaughter to play…sell the pints if you hve other selections…..for kids…The one in the woods would be a great hide away for some R&R..

Unreal….you have to be and incredible- talented man.. My Father, was a carpenter, and I know whats involved….. BRAVO. Did you draw up a set of Blue–prints for this magnificent Home… how much room does a ( seemingly ) single man need,..and AGAIN… BRAVO…Job Incredibly WELL DONE…! I wish I could actually walk in and enjoy a Cup of Coffee, and get at tour..!!!

Chris and I live in Whistler full-time. After, viewing an article and your youtube video I really wanted to find it. My boyfriend found an hint a few weeks later of where it could be located. We decided to go on a treasure hunt today and we We found it! Amazing location, what a piece of Art. I love nature…so the idea of living in the woods for even one summer sounds amazing! A lot of people have been writting in the guest book. Hopefully, everyone who find the Hemloft…. keep the location a secret!

Thank you for revealing its existence….the treasure hunt was so much fun!

What a wonderful idea!
Patent your design, start a business and I bet you will NEVER live out of your car again. I imagine it would make a great nature retreat, get-a-way and nature resorts would love these as long as trees are not damaged and it looks like you took great care with that tree. Only thing I could not see was a bed to sleep!

Love it….really cool idea…..but why does everyone say this is sustainable living…it is made of wood and nails like most homes the only difference is the foundation. Self sustainable homes are..solar,wind,geo thermo,eco toilets and recyclable building materials..and for you treehuggers stop whining and bitching and go do something productive like plant some trees,volunteer at an old age home or hospital maybe become a big brother and educate our youth…I know so many vegan treehuggers that bitch about everything and everyone that doesn’t believe in what they do but i dont see them contributing in any way to make our earth a better place. So please stop talking shyt and start doing something…..you fckrs

Thank you for sharing! I have loved tree houses my whole life and have recently started blogging about sustainable housing and other ecofriendly creations. I lived in Vancouver for two years. If only I had met you I would love to have been apart of a cool project like this. I truly hope you don’t lose and it becomes apart of BC forever. I hope to see it when I return and visit.

Wonderful! You and Heidi both have a great eye for design. I wonder . . . has the beautiful tree started speaking to you of poems of dappled light and woodsy delights yet? . . . have you made friends with a guardian squirrel or a courageous jay? . . . has this egg, this home hatched a pair of more harmonious humans?

Excellent idea, you have talent! I hope that the local government see’s this as a piece of art and that everyone respects your time and effort in building it. It would be a shame if it had to be torn down. I visit BC often, if I skied out-of-bounds on Blackcomb and found this gem, I’d sign my name a leave a toonie in the cookie jar!

WHat a wonderful idea. Well built and well conceived. I applaud your creativity and idea. I do however question the morality of what you have done. In a PROTECTED area which is supposed to be free of human presence for the wildlife we share the land with,what right did you have to impose your and thus all of humanities presence? Is the raping of the rest of the country not enough for people that what is supposed to be protected can be desecrated and applauded for the desecration. This is just another thoughtless imposition of a people who do not respect nature and the natural world. It is sad that this idea makes such a beautiful project such as the one you have created an abomination to nature. It should be dismantled and removed and stop pretending your doing nature some kind of favour. As a carpenter and a naturalist, I disapprove with what you have done and of anyones support of you and your idea.

I came across your build quite by accident when looking at something else… After viewing some of your pics I wanted to see more and I am glad I did. What you built even though relatively a small build was quite impressive and I think that would be something I would have been proud to have built if I was able to. The design in building it around and attached to a substantial tree is an undertaking in itself.
How were you able to achieve it, in building within a section of woods….
Well done… I commend you on your undertaking and achievement..
George

This is just So cool!! Every kids dream. At least if they’re like me. I grew up way up the Skagit Valley in the North Cascades. A little town called Diablo. About 200 people. This looks like one a grown version of one of the many treehouses we built as kids in the pristine wilderness of the North Cascades. What a wonderful thing you have done for both yourself and the earth. Kudos to you my friend. In the far distant future this may be the way humanity will have to live after The Fall. .

Nice carpentry work, but the engineering appears flawed; You have no mechanism to deal with expansion or movement.
From the few pics, it does look like one of the smaller trees is almost in contact with the exterior. I know the slope you built on, and it’s stable, and not that windy, but you still should have considered trunk movement due to wind/seismic/snow load/soil shift.
Oh, and non-expandable roof trusses using Simpson Ties directly into the trunk? Less than optimal, even on slow growing mature Hems.
Consider a set of concentric, removable rings as your base and cap, using a high density soft foam in contact with the tree. Something between sill gasket and those old blue Insulite camping pads.
When the Nanny-state finds your work, it’s coming down.

Beautiful work of art, beautiful surroundings, beautiful attention to detail. We have been following your hemloft adventures for a while now; and, looking forward to your next endeavor ! Good luck to you and your family !

What a beautiful creation! I really do wish it doesn’t get pulled down because it looks so natural and it fits so well in that forest; yeah like someone suggested earlier, maybe allow it to be used by students or any one studying wild life; and maybe you could save it for some time yet.

Would love to see this tree house cabin built in other parts of the United States. This is nice and would be a great money maker as well. Realtor s would be salivating to sell something like this.
This is some nice and unique…I am definitely interested in a blueprint.

Joel – I’m curious if cables could be used to suspend your home close to the tree without securing it to the tree to allow for movement/expansion (if that’s even an issue, given the many comments about the hemlock most likely not growing much more)?